ANSI Standard First Aid Kits

ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute. They publish a list of minimum standards for a variety of safety products. The prescribe a “minimum content requirement” for first aid kits that, while not a hard rule, is an excellent guideline for first aid materials. Their recommended kit should include -

• (1) AN-146: 1"x3" Adhesive plastic bandages, 16/bx
• (1) AN-205: 32 sq. in. Absorbent gauze compress, 1/bx
• (1) AN-5071: Triangular sling/bandage, 1/bx
• (1) AN-206: 3"x3" Gauze dressing pads, 4/bx
• (1) AN-337: Antiseptic cleansing wipes (sting free), 10/bx
• (1) AN-5111: 1/2"x2.5 yd. Adhesive tape, 2/bx
• (1) AN-5112: Exam quality gloves, 2pr/bx
• (1) AN-404: Burn relief packs, 6/bx
• (1) B-503: 4"x5" Instant cold compress, 1/bx
• (1) B-717: Sterile eye pads, 1 oz. eye wash, 1/2"x5 yd. first aid tape roll, 1/bx
• (1) BK-009: 96 pg. AMA First Aid Guide booklet

ANSI standards are not mandatory but over 20 states have made their suggestions into state requirements. One feature of their recommendations that can be very helpful in an emergency situation is the use of colors. ANSI recommends the standardization of colors of bandages, antiseptics, burn remedies, etc. If adopted, it makes it easy for someone to immediately recognize the items they need in the event of an emergency.